Turkey Day Gang 2009

[alwayslisad]

Good morning all and WELCOME ABOARD Nicholas & Family -

Feel free to tell us about the REPO - I would love to hear more on it!!

This group is AWESOME - can not wait to meet all of our Turkey's

This will be my third cruise but first Turkey Plunge. Our first cruise was April 2003 - then December 2006 and now Tday 2009 - hmm I see a pattern - every three years - FARRRRRRRR tooooo long between cruising. Oh well at least it is not between vacations -

Our family does vacations this way:
one year cruise -
one year stay at home and boat for two weeks on the Big Lake in NH
one year travel the US - for about 2 - 3 weeks exploring

WOW I have some awesome vacations!!

Ok all -- time to get my body ready for work - UGH -
hope all is well and have a great day!

 

[Tinkerbell 99 Mom]

Hello Nicholas:

Diddo what Karen said. This is the best bunch of cruisers. The kids of all ages had a great time on this cruise.

As you can tell, most of us are complete Disney Nuts and enjoy all things Disney. My DD who will be age 10 on the cruise is a pin trader and really enjoys all things Disney.

I also believe several familes will be sailing on other Disney cruises prior to our Turkey Sailing so if you have any other questions, you have come to the right place.

wendy

 

[CBJHockeyNut]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome. We are confirmed DCL people. We used to go to the parks more but find ourselves spending our vacation money on the cruises with maybe a stop at one or two of the parks before or after the cruise. As my signature line indicates we just got off our 8th trip on the Magic and this will be our 9th. Nowhere near where some folks are at this point but we absolutely love it.

So far we have not really sailed around one specific time. As the kids get older, however, it is harder to pull them out of school. We used to try to sail in off times to save $$$ but that isn't as much possible anymore. We have done the week before Christmas, had the "pleasure" of a hurricane cruise (which I actually liked--I can be a bit odd!!) and now a repo through the Panama Canal in addition to cruising the Carribean including some specialty ports along the way. We did not go to the Med last year--thought our kids were maybe too young to really benefit from it and saved money for the repo cruise. Generally the ports (other than Castaway Cay) are not as big of an issue for us and just being on the ship is the real pleasure.

After the first couple cruises we found the DIS. Our involvement with group activities varies but I love being able to see friendly faces around the ship. The repo group of pirates was huge and very active--I think we are on the 14th meet thread and the first one got so big I think it was one of the reasons thread sizes were capped!!! A great group and I looked forward to moving on from the pirates to the Turkeys--maybe only on the DIS is where I can imagine typing that!!!

For the repo we had our own DIS navigator with all the planned events for the group. If anyone is interested in seeing it, PM me and I can email it to you as a pdf--I think I still have a copy at home. It included the pre-cruise events as well as on-board events including non-DCL excursions planned by the group.

It is hard to believe how long we were gone on the last vacation and it is a little tough getting back in the swing of work--hence my lengthy post here. (It looks like I am typing away and working hard )

Right now we are on late dining as well but are wait listed for early--seems to work easier with our kids. We linked in last time for early dining. I believe things got a little tough, however, due to the size of our group. I think we were around 200 of us just for early dining. It was an enjoyable way to catch up with what folks were doing and we had a number of other folks from Central Ohio right next to us.

Ok, better start doing some "real" work. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone as we countdown to this cruise.

Nicholas.

 

[jollytammy]

Welcome Nicholas!!!!

 

[alwayslisad]

Woohoo
just booked my vacation for the week before
we were going to stay at AKL but DH reminded me that we could stay at a timeshare down there if we could coordinate it - so today I found a place that has a three bedroom place 10 minutes from WDW it cost me 225 to rent it for the week - yahoo
I LOVE PLANNING!!!

 

[sherreis]

Woohoo
just booked my vacation for the week before
we were going to stay at AKL but DH reminded me that we could stay at a timeshare down there if we could coordinate it - so today I found a place that has a three bedroom place 10 minutes from WDW it cost me 225 to rent it for the week - yahoo
I LOVE PLANNING!!!

What a great price! Congratulations!

 

[dustermom02]

Hi All,

Its been sooo long since I have checked in and is fun to see how many more people have joined the group. Has anyone been keeping a full list? I'm very jealous of Nicholas. I would love to be on the next east bound Panama Canal Cruise.

The reason why I logged on is I have to tell someone my exciting news and I knew you'd understand- we're going to Disney THIS Thanksgiving!!! I know, I know, the crowds are awful, but I haven't been to the parks since January 2007 and my 4 yr old doesn't even remember it. At any rate, my sister, who lives down by Port Canaveral didn't think she'd be able to do any holidays this year b/c she just opened her own business, but she just announced that we could come down for Thanksgiving. I think my dad and mom had tickets within 20 minutes and then nagged me until I made my family's reservations. But this is just craziness b/c its less than 90 days. (I don't know if I can plan in that short a time, I ususally plan at least a year in advance. I'm going to see what I can get for dining reservations tomorrow after I check to see which parks will be worst the mon & tues before turkey day. And do they even have 2 day tickets any more? I don't think so. See? I really need more time).

It was fun reading about everyone's summer plans, trips and camps too. This year we did a whole lot of overtime at work. But we did drive up to Niagra Falls and stayed over one night. The whole family loved it. We took our new puppy, Jack. His full name is Capn' Jack Sparrow, (of course). He's a really sweet sheltie and will be 6mos on 9/16. He graduated from puppy school last week and they were kind enough to put his full name on his graduation certificate.

The other highlight of the summer- for the kids- was sailing camp. They are both ready to set up a mini t-giving '09 regatta on Castaway Cay racing the Hobies they have there. They even have my husband figuring out how to set up marks to sail around in the lagoon. (Because just what I need is MORE luggage). Does anyone know if they even allow that sort of thing at Castaway Cay?

Hope everyone stays safe and dry this weekend. We just brought in the lawn furniture and the potted plants as we wait for Hanna.

 

[sherreis]

paula--

Congratulations on the Thanksgiving trip! Hope you're able to get some ADRs. I started planning our 2006 Thanksgiving trip in August and we were able to get most of the ADRs we wanted.

As for the best days, I just checked our 2006 itinerary and we went to Epcot on Monday and DHS (it was MGM then) on Tuesday.

Stay dry today! It looks very ominous outside and the clouds are getting darker but the wind hasn't started yet.

 

[alwayslisad]

Good morning everyone~
Oh what I would do to have Tday on the ship this year or Tday at WDW --- ohhh the dreammmmmm

This year I will host Tday here at my house and Xmas at my inlaws ( as it stands right now ) Plans can change quickly due to my dad's illness - He has two more rounds of Chemo and then Radiation will start. So I am going to stay in New England for this holiday season - although I could really use getting away!

The condo we are renting is 10 minutes from Disney - so we will probably do one day there ( maybe two ) we want to do NASA and visit family as well.

Now the only problem is petitioning the school to let Renee have a week's vacation prior to Tday -- that could be the problem - she is an honor student and it will be her senior year so we will have to wait to see if we can get the entire week or just partial week.

We rented the condo from 11/15-11/22 - since we are on the MAGIC on 11/21 and at the Hyatt on 11/20 - we actually only need it for the 15th through the 19th - but the cost was amazing of course.

Well today is a rainy mess here - Renee has a kicker cold - so we are staying home and cleaning - hmmm


hope all have a great weekend - talk to you all soon!!

 

[pillow]

I know, I know, the crowds are awful, but I haven't been to the parks since January 2007 and my 4 yr old doesn't even remember it. At any rate, my sister, who lives down by Port Canaveral didn't think she'd be able to do any holidays this year b/c she just opened her own business, but she just announced that we could come down for Thanksgiving. I think my dad and mom had tickets within 20 minutes and then nagged me until I made my family's reservations. But this is just craziness b/c its less than 90 days. (I don't know if I can plan in that short a time, I ususally plan at least a year in advance. I'm going to see what I can get for dining reservations tomorrow after I check to see which parks will be worst the mon & tues before turkey day. And do they even have 2 day tickets any more? I don't think so. See? I really need more time).

It was fun reading about everyone's summer plans, trips and camps too. This year we did a whole lot of overtime at work. But we did drive up to Niagra Falls and stayed over one night. The whole family loved it. We took our new puppy, Jack. His full name is Capn' Jack Sparrow, (of course). He's a really sweet sheltie and will be 6mos on 9/16. He graduated from puppy school last week and they were kind enough to put his full name on his graduation certificate.

The other highlight of the summer- for the kids- was sailing camp. They are both ready to set up a mini t-giving '09 regatta on Castaway Cay racing the Hobies they have there. They even have my husband figuring out how to set up marks to sail around in the lagoon. (Because just what I need is MORE luggage). Does anyone know if they even allow that sort of thing at Castaway Cay?

Hope everyone stays safe and dry this weekend. We just brought in the lawn furniture and the potted plants as we wait for Hanna.

Here is the info I pulled from the Touring Plans website. The first number after the date is the crowd level (1-10); the first park(s) listed after the crowd level in parenthesis is the best park to visit on that day (based on crowds); last park(s) are the worst parks to visit.

Sat, 22 Nov '08 7 (MK) DS
Sun, 23 Nov '08 8 (EP) DS AK
Mon, 24 Nov '08 8 (DS) EP AK
Tue, 25 Nov '08 7 (MK DS) EP AK
Wed, 26 Nov '08 7 (MK DS) AK
Thu, 27 Nov '08 7 (EP AK) MK
Fri, 28 Nov '08 7 (AK) EP DS
Sat, 29 Nov '08 7 (MK) DS
Sun, 30 Nov '08 4 (EP AK) MK DS


Funny, we spent 2 nights in Niagara this summer as well. It was a last minute trip we took in between dh's jobs. We stayed at the Embassy Suites the nights of August 1st and 2nd. I was pleasantly surprised. We had a great time. Long drive for us though - took about 9.5 - 10 hours from here in VA.

You might want to check mapleleaftickets.com for tickets - a little less $$ than at Disney. They are reputable; we've used them several times.

We're getting LOTS of wind and rain here in VA from Hanna - just hoping the power doesn't go out (which doesn't seem to take much here for some reason) - suppose I should go fill the bathtubs.

Have a nice weekend.

Jodie

 

[TheDuckStopsHere]

Hello Nicholas:

Diddo what Karen said. This is the best bunch of cruisers. The kids of all ages had a great time on this cruise.

As you can tell, most of us are complete Disney Nuts and enjoy all things Disney. My DD who will be age 10 on the cruise is a pin trader and really enjoys all things Disney.

I also believe several familes will be sailing on other Disney cruises prior to our Turkey Sailing so if you have any other questions, you have come to the right place.

wendy

Welcome Abord the 2009 Turkey Day Gang Nicolas! I'm Karen's(aka PixieDustForMe!'s) Son. Yes I'm the Bouncing Mickeyhead. You have come to the right place for a Magical Holiday Disney Style.

Andrew

 

[dustermom02]

Wow - thanks so much for the tips for my trip. You guys are great. I also ordered the 2009 unoffical guide it should arrive friday- i've had most of them over the years but missed 2008 since we missed that year.

My one disappointment so far for trip planning is that we cannot get into the California Grill. I still dream about the fabulous salmon I had there 2 years ago. I keep trying to order salmon at different places - even on the cruise -and its never been as good as that dinner at the Ca Grill.

We survived Hanna w/o any problems. The kids played in the rain most of the day and kept coming in for dry clothes. I had lots of laundry Saturday.

Jodie -we missed you by a couple weeks, we were at Niagra Falls Aug 17-18 and we were at the Best Western Fallsview b/c they took pets. There was no view of the falls but it was clean and the were very helpful. We split up the trip 7 hrs to visit family in Erie PA one day and then another 2.5 hrs to canada another day. It worked out really well.

Off to cook dinner.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

A reminder since I have not posted in awhile...when we get to be about 6 months out, I will circulate a posting for the dinner link and then make the arrangements again. For those who were not with us in 2007, we had 63 people linked for dinner...On an earlier cruise in 2005, the link was over 100 people - 28 cabins in all. The link will be for late seating.

Chuck

 

[alwayslisad]

That sounds awesome - sadly we are "early" this cruise. DH and DBIL both wanted earlier - since their tummies did not LIKE later dining! but I still can't wait to meet you all

 

[sherreis]

That sounds awesome - sadly we are "early" this cruise. DH and DBIL both wanted earlier - since their tummies did not LIKE later dining! but I still can't wait to meet you all

Well, if you ever want to visit, you're more than welcome to pull up a chair and sit with us. I have a feeling DS8 won't be sitting through the entire meal so that he can get back up to the kids' activities.

Chuck, that sounds quite interesting - all those people linked up. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Tonight, I noticed how much the ship on my ticker has moved up. I guess I've been so busy with planning on our trip WDW next month that I hadn't noticed.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

A reminder since I have not posted in awhile...when we get to be about 6 months out, I will circulate a posting for the dinner link and then make the arrangements again. For those who were not with us in 2007, we had 63 people linked for dinner...On an earlier cruise in 2005, the link was over 100 people - 28 cabins in all. The link will be for late seating.

Chuck

Chuck

Sounds like a great plan I wish we were closer to six months out for a reunion As it stands now we are 13+ away from sailing It looks like my family will be doing at least 2-3 "other cruises" before Thanksgiving 2009 on the Magic.

Rob

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Chuck

Sounds like a great plan I wish we were closer to six months out for a reunion As it stands now we are 13+ away from sailing It looks like my family will be doing at least 2-3 "other cruises" before Thanksgiving 2009 on the Magic.

Rob

Do tell...when? where? what cruise line? how long?

Karen

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Do tell...when? where? what cruise line? how long?

Karen

Hey Karen

We will be doing a 7 day Carnival in March out of Miami (western) We are looking at Carnival again during summer time.

Rob

 

[Ima Princess]

Hello everyone!

I am SO EXCITED as I just made a ressie to join you for this cruise!! We've been on both the Wonder and Magic (western) once, and look forward to this Eastern itinerary and celebrating Thanksgiving on board. From my quick glance at the 50 (!!!) pages, looks like many of you have sailed together before. Hope you don't mind me butting in.

Our cast of characters includes my family: me and DH (both 40), DD(10) and DD(4) at time of the cruise. We are traveling with friends who are DCL virgins: FD and FM (both 40) and their DD (3). They are NOT Disney fanatics (poor things!) but recognize that DCL is the way to go, esp. with kids!

We are going on the cheap in a Cat 11 but are thankful (how appropriate!) to be on this Thanksgiving cruise at all! We were planning to book 2010 but jumped at the chance to get on board in 2009.

SO -- those of you who've cruised Thanksgiving before, can you give me an idea of how things might be different onboard? Will we see any of the Christmas decor?

Look forward to chatting with you in the coming months!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Welcome Ima Princess and family!

Yes, there are a few families here who sailed together Thanksgiving 07, and Icemanpad and Mickeyhugger families..this will be our third Thanksgiving sailing together. (Icemanpads, I think, have sailed every Thanksgiving since 04.)

Yes, the Magic will be decorated for Christmas, as well as Castaway Cay.

BTW, you're not 'butting in.' The more, the merrier.

Priscilla